ION CLUB SAL
The Best of Surfing Elements
Location : Santa Maria, Sal Island, Cape Verde
Season : All year round
Opening hours : Daily 9.00am – 05.00pm
Please note that our Ponta Leme center will be closed from May 1st until mid-October.
In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and off of the coast of Senegal lies the sumptuous archipelago of Cape Verde. It seems almost insignificant in the ocean, but is invaluable ... and not only for us lovers of board sports. ION CLUB Sal is divided into 2 centers, one on the big and beautiful beach of Santa Maria, a small fishermen's town; and the other 15 minutes walking distance away, in Ponta Leme, in the same village.
Their location is strategic and makes them ideal spots to practice windsurfing, kitesurfing, wingfoil and stand up paddle according to your level, and to sail all day.
The ION CLUB Santa Maria beach center is the meeting place for our kitesurfers, who meet here in the morning before taking the shuttle to Kite Beach which is 5 minutes away by car. Kite courses for beginners and rental are offered at the Santa Maria beach center with the session taking place at Kite Beach. The center also offers courses for beginner windsurfers and wingfoilers.
Experienced windsurfers and wingfoilers will appreciate the ION CLUB Ponta Leme center with optimal wind conditions right in front of it, as well as a wide range of rental equipment from Fanatic and Duotone. The school in Ponta Leme also offers wingfoil and windsurfing courses for advanced levels.
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A WORD FROM THE MANAGER
Sal is a beautiful island of Cape Verde offering an exceptional mix between Africa and Europe. It is a quiet and perfect place for windsurfers, kitesurfers, wingfoilers and surfers travelling alone, or with friends or family. The evening atmosphere is perfect for enjoying a drink and listening to live music. The wind is generally steady, and always between 15 and 30 knots depending on the period. We are very happy to say that our team has been the same for many years, and offers one of the best services on the island. We will welcome you with great pleasure in one of our centers. In Sal, kitesurfing and windsurfing have been very popular sports for many years.
Juliane Metsch
DISCOVER the best spot in SaL
SANTA MARIA BEACH
Our ION CLUB Santa Maria center is located on the long and beautiful sandy beach of Santa Maria. We have probably the best location in the bay. In this center, we offer kitesurfing lessons and rentals, surfing lessons and rentals, windsurfing lessons for beginners with a minimum of 145 liters board size, as well as wingfoil lessons for beginners. Stand up paddle rental is also available. We invite you to Santa Maria Center for kitesurf lessons and rental, with the session taking place at KiteBeach.
PONTA LEME
ION CLUB Ponta Leme is located on the east side of the bay of Santa Maria and is about a 15 minute walk from ION CLUB Santa Maria. At ION CLUB Ponta Leme we offer windsurfing lessons and rentals (lessons for all levels, board rentals from 80 to 145 liters), wingfoil rentals and lessons for intermediate and advanced levels, and stand up paddle boards for rent.
The two ION CLUB SAL centers offer both kitesurfing, windsurfing and wingfoil, and they complement one another, depending on your level of riding. Cape Verde is a destination not to be missed for kitesurfing, windsurfing, wingfoil and surfing!
PONTA PRETA
A 15 minute drive from Santa Maria village is where you will find one of the best waves in the world, Ponta Preta. It often lives up to its reputation, so make sure your skills are up to par. You might as well be sure of your level and fitness, because the slightest mistake and you’re likely to end up on the rocks. Only riders who come to Sal with their own equipment can ride there, as the ION CLUB center does not allow you to take the club’s equipment to this spot.
BEST PERIOD TO VISIT SAL
October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May
SAL WIND CONDITIONS
The spot in front of ION CLUB Santa Maria is dominated by a side-offshore wind, only suitable for experienced kitesurfers. For less experienced kitesurfers, the team organizes daily departures to Kite beach. This spot, only 5 minutes drive from our center, is the ideal place to learn and progress, or have fun in the waves.
The other center ION CLUB Sal, located in Ponta Leme at the end of the village, offers a freeride spot for independent windsurfers and wingfoilers and a more constant wind, less windy for the first meters, and closer to the waves.
SAL WAVE CONDITIONS
If you feel like it, it is possible to go upwind from the center of Santa Maria to play in the waves further east, or you can simply stay in front of the center to enjoy flat water.
CURRENT WEATHER
HOW TO GET THERE ?
From Almilcar Cabral Airport to Santa Maria
It is almost impossible to get lost on the way from Almilcar Cabral airport to Santa Maria, where the ION CLUB centers are located. There is only one road on the island, which runs north to south. The transfer from the airport to the hotels takes about 20 minutes.
Taking a taxi in Sal
If you take a taxi, please indicate the restaurant Atlantis as your destination. The ION CLUB Santa Maria is right next door. The fare from the airport is about 25 euros. For the ION CLUB Ponta Leme center, you can ask for the Angulo restaurant as the center is next door.
Rental Car
If you have a rental car, simply drive in the direction of Santa Maria in the southern part of the island (a distance of about 20 km). Turn left right after the “Enacol” gas station and follow the street all the way to the end. Then turn right and follow the road down to the beach and Angulo restaurant.
H3WQ+G5 Santa Maria, Cape Verde
WHAT TO DO AROUND SAL ISLAND ?
THE FISHING PORT OF PALMEIRA
Palmeira is a town located in the northwestern part of the island of Sal. It houses the main fishing port of the island. Fish lovers will be in paradise in Cape Verde. The grilled lobster is delicious, as well as fresh tuna, octopus and many other delicacies.
VISIT THE SALINAS OF PEDRA DE LUME
Pedra de Lume, formerly known as the Salinas, is famous for its salt evaporation ponds, whose exploitation began in the 18th century. According to geologists, the waters of this lake come from the depths of the earth rather than from a lateral infiltration of the ocean. The salt flats are located in the crater of an extinct volcano. Together with the Cagarral Mountain, the salt flats and the crater form a protected landscape.
SEE SHARKS AT SHARK BAY
Don’t miss the great opportunity to see lemon sharks up close and personal. In Shark Bay they are very close to the shore, and are a very social species. They are often seen in groups and have a structured hierarchical system based on size and sex. They generally do not show aggressive behavior among themselves, and coordinate in groups for hunting in places where the hierarchy is strictly respected. It’s worth going, but don’t forget your rubber water shoes, as there is a bit of a hike in shallow rocky waters to get to where the sharks are.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
International Customer Service Live Chat
Monday to Friday, 09.30 - 17.00
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
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Center SAL
International Bookings
Monday to Friday, 09.30 - 14.00
+49(881) 9254960
bookings@ion-club.net
A story of pioneer since 1985
YEARS EXPERIENCE
Destinations
CENTERS
Sports
YEARS EXPERIENCE
Destinations
CENTERS
SPORTS
The story of the ION CLUB tells of people who have turned their passion for windsurfing and kitesurfing into a profession. Since its founding in 1985, customer orientation, team spirit, innovation and professionalism have been the top priorities of our corporate philosophy.
The ION CLUB / Club Mistral has gained a lot of experience in the 39 years of its existence and has developed more and more into a company that focuses on communicating with guests and fulfilling their needs and wishes.
With 16 water sports schools worldwide, we are one of the leading companies in this field. ION CLUB has a network of international partners in different countries. We strive to be international and multicultural and express this through the selection of our employees, who currently come from 24 different countries.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Courses
IS KITESURFING ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE ?
Yes, like all sports, you have to be in good shape. Children must be a minimum of 12 years old in order to take part.
HOW MANY LESSONS DO I NEED TO LEARN KITESURFING (TOTAL BEGINNER)?
On average 12 hours.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING FOR MY KITE / WINDSURF / WINGFOIL LESSONS?
Included in the course: wetsuit, harness, leash, vest and helmet.
WHAT LANGUAGES DO YOUR INSTRUCTORS SPEAK?
English, German, Croatian, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian
WHAT HAPPENS IF I PAY FOR THE LESSON IN ADVANCE BUT THERE IS NO WIND?
At the time of your departure, the center will take stock of the situation and you will be issued with an ION CLUB credit note corresponding to the number of hours not taken, valid for all ION CLUB destinations for 24 months.
CENTRE
IS IT POSSIBLE TO PAY BY CARD?
Yes
CAN WE WITHDRAW MONEY IN SAL?
Yes 140€ per day with a credit card.
Is there WIFI?
No
WHAT WINDLESS ACTIVITIES DO YOU PROPOSE ?
SURF / SUP
DO YOU SUPERVISE THE CHILDREN ?
No.
IS THERE A SHUTTLE SERVICE FROM THE HOTELS TO THE CLUB?
ION CLUB does not organize a Hotel – Center shuttle. However, you can ask your hotel for information.
IS THERE FOOD AND DRINK AVAILABLE NEAR THE CENTER?
Yes.
RENTAL
DO I NEED TO RESERVE EQUIPMENT IN ADVANCE?
It is recommended.
DO I NEED INSURANCE FOR THE EQUIPMENT?
It is recommended.
WHAT DOES A RENTAL INCLUDE?
Complete equipment + wetsuit, harness, leash, helmet, vest.
DO I NEED TO BRING MY OWN WETSUIT AND HARNESS?
It is recommended if you rent your equipment.
CAN I STORE MY OWN EQUIPMENT AT YOUR CENTER?
Yes, only at the ION CLUB Ponta Leme center, (Windsurf & Wingfoil).
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT AND GO TO ANOTHER PLACE?
No.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I PAY THE RENTAL IN ADVANCE BUT THERE IS NO WIND?
You can use the SUP & SURF boards available at the center at no extra charge.
DO YOU HAVE A LIFEBOAT?
Yes, we do.
SPOT
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO KITE IN SAL?
The best time is from November to April.
WHERE CAN I CHECK THE WIND CONDITIONS?
On the Windguru website.
DO I NEED BOOTIES ON THE SPOT?
No
WHICH NEOPRENE SUIT IS RECOMMENDED?
Some sail in a full wetsuit, and some in a shorty.
EQUIPMENT
WHAT DOES THE EQUIPMENT BREAKAGE INSURANCE COVER ?
It protects your rental equipment against possible damage. However, it does not cover loss of equipment, or damage caused by any negligence on your part.
CAN I LEAVE MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS AT THE CENTER ALL DAY?
Yes